Date: January 1, 2025
Aircraft Involved:
• Aircraft Type: ATR 42-500
• Registration: AP-BHI
• Operator: Pakistan International Airlines (PIA)
• Flight Number: PK-503
• Route: Karachi (KHI) to Gwadar (GWD), Pakistan
Incident Overview
PIA flight PK-503 encountered engine trouble shortly after departing from Karachi. The crew stopped the climb at FL140 and returned to Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport (KHI) for a precautionary landing. The aircraft landed safely on runway 07R approximately 45 minutes after departure. The flight resumed later with a delay of 5 hours and 40 minutes after rectification.
Sequence of Events
1. Departure:
• The aircraft departed Karachi for Gwadar and began climbing to its assigned altitude.
2. Engine Malfunction:
• During the climb, the crew identified a technical fault in one of the engines and halted the ascent at FL140.
3. Return to Karachi:
• The crew opted for a precautionary return to Karachi to address the issue.
4. Safe Landing:
• The aircraft landed without further incident on runway 07R at Jinnah International Airport.
5. Inspection and Recovery:
• Engineers inspected the aircraft, and the issue was resolved, allowing the flight to continue to Gwadar with a delay of 5 hours and 40 minutes.
Initial Findings and Hypotheses
1. Engine Malfunction:
• Potential causes include issues with the powerplant, such as overheating, oil pressure anomalies, or control system malfunctions.
2. Crew Decision:
• The timely decision to return ensured passenger safety and minimized the risk of further complications.
3. Operational Impact:
• Although the delay caused inconvenience, passenger safety remained the priority.
Recommendations
1. Engine Diagnostics:
• Conduct a thorough inspection of the affected engine, including oil systems, fuel controls, and temperature monitoring systems.
2. Preventive Maintenance:
• Review maintenance logs and schedules to ensure no recurring issues with the aircraft or engine model.
3. Pilot Training:
• Reinforce emergency procedures and decision-making protocols during engine malfunctions.
4. Passenger Communication:
• Maintain clear and transparent communication with passengers regarding delays caused by technical issues.
Disclaimer
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Our investigation reports are based on all the evidence and facts we have at the time of writing and posting. We apologise if any details are missed or are not fully accurate.
